EP1709216B1 - System and method for measuring electric current in a pipeline - Google Patents
System and method for measuring electric current in a pipeline Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1709216B1 EP1709216B1 EP05712021A EP05712021A EP1709216B1 EP 1709216 B1 EP1709216 B1 EP 1709216B1 EP 05712021 A EP05712021 A EP 05712021A EP 05712021 A EP05712021 A EP 05712021A EP 1709216 B1 EP1709216 B1 EP 1709216B1
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- Prior art keywords
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- pipe
- vehicle
- voltage
- compensating
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 37
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 12
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- 229910052753 mercury Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004210 cathodic protection Methods 0.000 description 11
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- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23F—NON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
- C23F13/00—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection
- C23F13/02—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection cathodic; Selection of conditions, parameters or procedures for cathodic protection, e.g. of electrical conditions
- C23F13/04—Controlling or regulating desired parameters
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23F—NON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
- C23F13/00—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection
- C23F13/02—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection cathodic; Selection of conditions, parameters or procedures for cathodic protection, e.g. of electrical conditions
- C23F13/06—Constructional parts, or assemblies of cathodic-protection apparatus
- C23F13/08—Electrodes specially adapted for inhibiting corrosion by cathodic protection; Manufacture thereof; Conducting electric current thereto
- C23F13/20—Conducting electric current to electrodes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/005—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures using pigs or moles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N17/00—Investigating resistance of materials to the weather, to corrosion, or to light
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N17/00—Investigating resistance of materials to the weather, to corrosion, or to light
- G01N17/04—Corrosion probes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L2101/00—Uses or applications of pigs or moles
- F16L2101/30—Inspecting, measuring or testing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
- F16L2201/30—Detecting leaks
Definitions
- the present invention relates to cathodic protection systems for corrosion protection of metal objects, which are buried in soil or located underwater. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for measuring the electric current in a pipeline imposed by a cathodic protection system.
- the owners of pipelines frequently wish to monitor the status or condition of a pipeline or to check the integrity of a protection system.
- This may include measurement of the material type, internal diameter, and thickness of the pipe, the material type, and thickness of any internal lining if present, the presence of corrosion on the pipe, damage to the lining, the thickness of any deposits of material on the internal surface of the pipe or of the lining if present, the presence and extent of circumferential cracks, the presence and extent of longitudinal cracks, and the position of features such as bends, off takes, valves and joints.
- Pigs may be outfitted with electronic instruments designed to inspect pipelines internally and may physically travel with a fluid product within the pipelines without simultaneously interrupting fluid flow.
- a pig may detect various pipeline defects.
- pigs are capable of traveling within multi-diameter pipelines and bends therein and are capable of detecting the location of pipe-related problems.
- data logging devices on board pigs are well known in the art.
- its sensors will record the distance traveled, location and position of features and defects, and the depth and magnitude thereof. Pigs are frequently used inside pipelines to detect the presence of corrosion and other defects.
- CP cathodic protection
- the purpose of cathodic protection is to reduce or eliminate corrosion of steel or other metals in a given environment.
- the corrosion of metal in an electrolyte at ambient temperature is an electrochemical process involving the flow of electrons in metals and ions in electrolytes. This corrosion can be controlled by the application of currents from an external source such as a generator or rectifier, or from a galvanic sacrificial anode, which supplies all of the current for the electrochemical reduction of the corrodant by a source other than the corroding steel. If all of the current for the electrochemical reduction is supplied by the external source, the corrosion of the steel is reduced.
- sacrificial systems there are two widely used systems for generating opposing electrical currents, “sacrificial systems” and “impressed current systems.”
- the current is supplied by another metal, which is galvanically more reactive than the metal of the structure.
- metals such as aluminum, magnesium and zinc are galvanically more active than steel and are used as "sacrificial anodes” to protect steel structures.
- impressed current systems a non-consumable metal is used to drain direct current (DC) supplied from an external source into the electrolyte, which passes to the structure to be protected.
- DC direct current
- anodes The parts from which the current is drained are called “anodes” and the protected structure is called a “cathode.”
- cathode In both sacrificial and impressed current systems of cathodic protection, a path between the anode and the cathode is essential for flow of current to protect the structure.
- One such method involves installing a standard reference electrode at one or more locations along the pipeline together with a conductor connected to the pipeline. A technician periodically visits the location and measures the voltage between the standard reference electrode and the pipeline using a voltmeter. A responsible person then examines the collected data looking for inadequate voltages and variations from earlier data and, when control is inadequate or excessive, adjusts the output(s) of the appropriate rectifier(s). Such a method is limited in that only current at static locations is measured and a technician is required to visit such locations.
- Another commonly used potential survey method is the close interval survey in which the pipe-to-medium potential is recorded as a function of distance along the pipeline of interest. Any potentials which departed significantly from the potentials at other regions or which deviated significantly from prior surveys, could be identified as possible stray current pickup or discharge points.
- This method involves pipeline maintenance personnel traveling to the pipeline and making the measurements described above. Single location, time-dependent surveys are also performed by the maintenance staff by monitoring the potential at a chosen location as a function of time. Any significant changes in the recorded potentials could indicate possible intermittent pickup or discharge of stray current.
- This technique also provides only static data and is labor intensive
- a downhole apparatus with a plurality of electrodes is lowered into a casing.
- Examples of this embodiment are given in Davies, et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,857,831 , and NACE International Standard RPO186-2001 at Appendix A.
- the downhole apparatus is suspended by a long cable which is connected to a measurement unit located at the ground surface, and potential difference measurements are taken by the measurement unit at the ground surface as the downhole apparatus traverses the length of the casing.
- the potential difference information must be transmitted to the measurement unit at the ground surface through the long cable connecting the downhole apparatus to the measurement unit, the information tends to be degraded due to noise pick-up and crosstalk.
- thermal effects along the long cable and at the electrical connections on the surface and in the downhole tool adversely affect the information.
- the electrodes utilized in this embodiment are not configured for dynamic electrical contact with the pipe, and, if such dynamic contact were attempted, the signal would be unacceptable due to noise distortion.
- FR 2495191 describes a pipeline cylinder with two circular metallic brushes, which are dragged along the interior of the pipeline, and which measure the voltage difference between two points on the interior of the pipeline and transmit the voltages to the voltmeter, which may be recorded in memory.
- US 2980854 relates to a tubular carrier with contact wheels-which are rolled along the interior of pipeline, and which measure the voltage difference between two points on the interior of the pipeline and transmit the voltages to the potentiometer, which may be recorded by pen on drum. The voltage is sent from each contact wheel to potentiometer by a spring brush which is mounted on the respective arm, and which bears against the respective metal axle of the wheel.
- the system should be able to dynamically and efficiently measure the voltage difference between points in a pipeline, while minimizing noise and deviations caused by thermal effects.
- the present invention meets the above needs and overcomes one or more deficiencies in the prior art by providing a system using a propulsion vehicle as defined in claim 1.
- a vehicle according to the present invention optionally may include electromechanical devices that reduce electrical noise.
- a method for measuring a voltage differential in a current-carrying pipe as defined in claim 16.
- a propulsion vehicle having two or more contacts is inserted into a pipe. The contacts are utilized to make electrical contact with the pipe, and the voltage between the contacts is determined as the vehicle moves through the pipe.
- the vehicle may optionally output voltage and/or position data.
- the present invention provides a system and method for measuring the electric current in a pipeline imposed by a cathodic protection system. To accomplish this, a pig is utilized.
- Pigs are well known in the art and are frequently used inside pipelines to detect the presence of corrosion and other defects. Pigs may be outfitted with electronic instruments designed to inspect pipelines internally and may physically travel with a fluid product within the pipelines without simultaneously interrupting fluid flow.
- odometers have historically been used for distance/location tracking of pigs. Odometer technology has continued to improve over time with the incorporation of onboard electronic instrumentation. Other technologies have also been developed to track a pig's location in real-time using satellite (i.e ., GPS), subsea acoustic and other techniques for various applications. These techniques include, without limitation, Geiger counters, magnetics, radio, acoustics, pinger-based, and transponder-based systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of location tracking/logging techniques may be utilized with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a pipe 102 filled with a fluid 104.
- a cut-away section 106 shows a pig 108 according to the present invention.
- the fluid 104 may propel the pig 108 through the pipe 102.
- the pig 108 is in electrical contact with the internal pipeline wall 110 at electrically separated contact locations 112 and 114. It is preferable for locations 112 and 114 to have multiple points of contact with the wall 110.
- Such electrical contact with the wall 110 is achieved by contacts 116 and 118, which are arranged in a spaced apart relationship upon the pig 108 and which are connected to the pig body 120.
- the pig body 120 further includes a voltmeter device which has leads connected to contacts 116 and 118.
- Pig body 120 also may include a battery, an odometer, and data-logging device, which are commercially available and well known in the art. For example, voltage and location data may be logged by the pig 108. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 displays two contacts attached to a single pig, those skilled in the art will recognize that a plurality of connected pigs are acceptable use with the present invention. For example, a first pig may have a single contact, while a second pig provides the other needed contact.
- contacts 116 and 118 include rotating steel brushes and optionally rotating steel knives.
- the brushes and knives may be utilized in various combinations to maintain electrical contact with the internal surface of the pipe 102 and, optionally, cleaning the internal surface of the pipe 102.
- steel brushes sold by the Weiler Corporation (Item #08047) have been used to ensure good electrical contact.
- a combination of three brushes and three knives for each contact may be preferable for use with the present invention to reduce noise as the contacts 116 and 118 move through the pipe 102 and rotate in the direction indicated.
- the present invention contemplates using electromechanical devices connected to the brush and/or knife contacts 116 and 118.
- noise from these rotating components is reduced by using low-noise rotating electromechanical devices, such as mercury contacts and/or slip-ring contacts.
- Mercury contacts sold by Mercotac Inc. (Model number 110) have been used to successfully reduce noise to the microvolt range, while slip rings sold by Airflyte Electronics Company (Model #2400096-002) have been successfully used to transmit low noise signals.
- pig 108 includes electromechanical devices 122 and 128.
- device 122 includes a static element 126 and a dynamic element 124 which rotates along with the contact 116 to transmit the signal to the static element 126.
- FIG. 2 shows a pig 206 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the pig 206 is shown within a pipe 204, along with the fluid 202, which may propel the pig 206 in the direction indicated.
- the pig 206 is in electrical contact with the pipe 204 at electrically separated contact locations 208, 209, 210, and 211. It is only necessary, however, to implement two points of contact separated by a distance, such as points of contact 208 and 210. Such electrical contact is achieved by the contacts being mounted in a spaced apart relationship upon the pig 206.
- contacts 208, 209, 210, and 211 may include rotating steel brushes and/or rotating steel knives. For example a combination of three brushes and three knives may be utilized with the current invention.
- the contacts 208, 209, 210, and 211 may further include electromechanical devices.
- the pig 206 further includes a battery 216, a data logger 214, a voltmeter 212, and an embodiment of an odometer. These components are commercially available and well known in the art.
- FIG. 2A illustrates the electrical contact 208.
- rotating, electrical contact 208 is utilized for electrical communication with the internal pipe wall 204.
- a connecting arm 254 serves to connect the contact 208 to the pig.
- An axle 258 runs through the arm 254 and connects the contact 208 to the pig while allowing the contact 208 to rotate in the direction indicated.
- the axle 258 rotates along with the contact 208 and such rotation is facilitated by ball bearing sets 260A and 260B.
- the axle 258 is in communication with an electromechanical device 262.
- the electromechanical device 262 includes a dynamic element 264, which rotates with the axle 258 and transmits the signal to a static element 266.
- An electrical wire 268 emerges from the device 262.
- the wire 268 may be connected to voltmeter 212.
- the voltmeter 212 may receive a second wire that is connected to electrical contact 210 in the manner here described.
- FIG. 3 shows a temperature compensation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Because of potential temperature gradients along the pipeline wall, a thermocouple voltage may be experienced, which needs to be compensated for. However, the bulk fluid temperature will be stable, and, by measuring the thermocouple voltage difference between the pipeline wall at the electrical contact position and the bulk fluid, compensation can be made for temperature differences in the system. Different materials have to be used for the rolling contact devices with the wall in order to measure the temperature gradient for the compensation.
- points 302 and 304 reside upon the internal wall of a pipe. Such points may have different temperatures.
- the potential difference between the point 302 and the point 304 is the potential difference of interest and may be measured via a connection 306.
- the reference points 308 and 310 reside within the bulk fluid 312 and are not affected by temperature deviations.
- Connection 314 allows the potential difference between the contact point 302 and the bulk fluid reference point 308 to be measured.
- Connection 316 allows the potential difference between the contact point 304 and bulk fluid reference point 310 to be measured. Because of potential temperature differences at the pipe wall, thermocouple effects induce some of the voltage measured at the contacts. By measuring the voltage differences between the contacts and the references, these effects can be compensated for and the true potential difference between points 302 and 304 can be calculated.
- the accuracy of the pig's data may also be adversely affected by no-contact events.
- No-contact events refer to an event in which the electrical contact between the pig and pipeline is interrupted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that no-contact events result in undesirable open-circuit signals.
- the present invention may include an alternating current (AC) pilot signal to flag and exclude no-contact signals during data processing. For example, if a 1-10 kHz AC voltage source of 1mV is incorporated into the electrical circuitry, a band-pass filter at the frequency of the source filters the pilot signal out. When the signal is present, there must be contact, while no signal indicates no contact.
- AC pilot signal is provided as an example, and those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of techniques may be acceptable to flag no contact events.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 display exemplary test coursess.
- An artificial on-off voltage of 40 microvolt was incorporated into the electric circuit to see whether the intermittent voltage could be retrieved.
- the signal was successfully retrieved in each test.
- the x-axis is time and the y-axis is voltage in micro-volts, and the speed of the rolling, rotating contacts was approximately 1.1 meters per second.
- Graph 400 displays exemplary results of this test. As shown in the graph 400, moderate baseline drift was experienced by the output. Thermo-effects, for which no compensation was made, caused this drift.
- FIG. 4 displays exemplary test. As shown in the graph 400, moderate baseline drift was experienced by the output. Thermo-effects, for which no compensation was made, caused this drift.
- Graph 500 displays exemplary results of this test, in which the x-axis is time and the y-axis is voltage in micro-volts. Slightly greater base line drift was experienced because the increased speed of the contacts produced greater thermal dynamic effects, for which no compensation was attempted.
- a pig according to the present invention can successfully measure the electric current in a pipeline imposed by a cathodic protection system.
- High-quality, rotating electrical contacts are preferred for transmitting low-voltage signals, while both rolling brushes and knifes are suitable for making electrical contact with the pipe wall.
- temperature compensation is required for elimination of thermocouple signals.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to cathodic protection systems for corrosion protection of metal objects, which are buried in soil or located underwater. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for measuring the electric current in a pipeline imposed by a cathodic protection system.
- The owners of pipelines frequently wish to monitor the status or condition of a pipeline or to check the integrity of a protection system. This may include measurement of the material type, internal diameter, and thickness of the pipe, the material type, and thickness of any internal lining if present, the presence of corrosion on the pipe, damage to the lining, the thickness of any deposits of material on the internal surface of the pipe or of the lining if present, the presence and extent of circumferential cracks, the presence and extent of longitudinal cracks, and the position of features such as bends, off takes, valves and joints. In view of the high cost of replacing pipe, and the potential consequential damage due to fluid loss from a break in the pipe, it is justifiable to carry out regular surveys of the condition of the pipe from within the pipe using a vehicle transported inside the pipe. Such vehicles are well known in the art and are often referred to as a smart or intelligent pig, hereinafter simply referred to as "pig".
- Pigs may be outfitted with electronic instruments designed to inspect pipelines internally and may physically travel with a fluid product within the pipelines without simultaneously interrupting fluid flow. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a pig may detect various pipeline defects. Furthermore, due to pipelines being situated on, in, or under a diversity of terrains throughout the world, pigs are capable of traveling within multi-diameter pipelines and bends therein and are capable of detecting the location of pipe-related problems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of data logging devices on board pigs are well known in the art. Depending on the technology and degree of sophistication used by a pig, its sensors will record the distance traveled, location and position of features and defects, and the depth and magnitude thereof. Pigs are frequently used inside pipelines to detect the presence of corrosion and other defects.
- To prevent pipe external corrosion, a cathodic protection (CP) system may be implemented. CP is a method of combating corrosion of metals that come in contact with potentially corrosive mediums. The purpose of cathodic protection is to reduce or eliminate corrosion of steel or other metals in a given environment. The corrosion of metal in an electrolyte at ambient temperature is an electrochemical process involving the flow of electrons in metals and ions in electrolytes. This corrosion can be controlled by the application of currents from an external source such as a generator or rectifier, or from a galvanic sacrificial anode, which supplies all of the current for the electrochemical reduction of the corrodant by a source other than the corroding steel. If all of the current for the electrochemical reduction is supplied by the external source, the corrosion of the steel is reduced.
- There are two widely used systems for generating opposing electrical currents, "sacrificial systems" and "impressed current systems." In sacrificial systems, the current is supplied by another metal, which is galvanically more reactive than the metal of the structure. For example, metals such as aluminum, magnesium and zinc are galvanically more active than steel and are used as "sacrificial anodes" to protect steel structures. In impressed current systems, a non-consumable metal is used to drain direct current (DC) supplied from an external source into the electrolyte, which passes to the structure to be protected. The parts from which the current is drained are called "anodes" and the protected structure is called a "cathode." In both sacrificial and impressed current systems of cathodic protection, a path between the anode and the cathode is essential for flow of current to protect the structure.
- In order to ensure that a CP system is properly protecting a pipeline, the prior art teaches a variety of methods for monitoring the potential difference in a pipeline imposed by the system. One such method involves installing a standard reference electrode at one or more locations along the pipeline together with a conductor connected to the pipeline. A technician periodically visits the location and measures the voltage between the standard reference electrode and the pipeline using a voltmeter. A responsible person then examines the collected data looking for inadequate voltages and variations from earlier data and, when control is inadequate or excessive, adjusts the output(s) of the appropriate rectifier(s). Such a method is limited in that only current at static locations is measured and a technician is required to visit such locations.
- Another commonly used potential survey method is the close interval survey in which the pipe-to-medium potential is recorded as a function of distance along the pipeline of interest. Any potentials which departed significantly from the potentials at other regions or which deviated significantly from prior surveys, could be identified as possible stray current pickup or discharge points. This method involves pipeline maintenance personnel traveling to the pipeline and making the measurements described above. Single location, time-dependent surveys are also performed by the maintenance staff by monitoring the potential at a chosen location as a function of time. Any significant changes in the recorded potentials could indicate possible intermittent pickup or discharge of stray current. This technique also provides only static data and is labor intensive
- In yet another prior art embodiment, a downhole apparatus with a plurality of electrodes is lowered into a casing. Examples of this embodiment are given in
Davies, et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,857,831 , and NACE International Standard RPO186-2001 at Appendix A. The downhole apparatus is suspended by a long cable which is connected to a measurement unit located at the ground surface, and potential difference measurements are taken by the measurement unit at the ground surface as the downhole apparatus traverses the length of the casing. - Since the potential difference information must be transmitted to the measurement unit at the ground surface through the long cable connecting the downhole apparatus to the measurement unit, the information tends to be degraded due to noise pick-up and crosstalk. In addition, thermal effects along the long cable and at the electrical connections on the surface and in the downhole tool adversely affect the information. The electrodes utilized in this embodiment are not configured for dynamic electrical contact with the pipe, and, if such dynamic contact were attempted, the signal would be unacceptable due to noise distortion.
-
FR 2495191 US 2980854 relates to a tubular carrier with contact wheels-which are rolled along the interior of pipeline, and which measure the voltage difference between two points on the interior of the pipeline and transmit the voltages to the potentiometer, which may be recorded by pen on drum. The voltage is sent from each contact wheel to potentiometer by a spring brush which is mounted on the respective arm, and which bears against the respective metal axle of the wheel. - Accordingly, there is a need for improved system for monitoring electrical current imposed by a cathodic protection system over a continuum using a pig or similar vehicle for propulsion. The system should be able to dynamically and efficiently measure the voltage difference between points in a pipeline, while minimizing noise and deviations caused by thermal effects.
- The present invention meets the above needs and overcomes one or more deficiencies in the prior art by providing a system using a propulsion vehicle as defined in
claim 1. - A vehicle according to the present invention optionally may include electromechanical devices that reduce electrical noise.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for measuring a voltage differential in a current-carrying pipe as defined in claim 16. A propulsion vehicle having two or more contacts is inserted into a pipe. The contacts are utilized to make electrical contact with the pipe, and the voltage between the contacts is determined as the vehicle moves through the pipe. The vehicle may optionally output voltage and/or position data. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are laid down in the dependent claims.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.
- The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein like numbers denote like parts throughout the several views:
-
FIG. 1 is a cut-away section of a pipe illustrating a schematic view of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a cross section of a pipe illustrating a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2A is a schematic view of theelectrical contact 2A inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 3 is a temperature compensation system according to one embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIGS. 4 and5 are exemplary test results obtained from a laboratory arrangement contemplating one embodiment of the present invention. - The present invention provides a system and method for measuring the electric current in a pipeline imposed by a cathodic protection system. To accomplish this, a pig is utilized.
- Pigs are well known in the art and are frequently used inside pipelines to detect the presence of corrosion and other defects. Pigs may be outfitted with electronic instruments designed to inspect pipelines internally and may physically travel with a fluid product within the pipelines without simultaneously interrupting fluid flow.
- Those skilled in the art will recognize a variety of techniques exist for tracking the location of a pipeline pig. In general, odometers have historically been used for distance/location tracking of pigs. Odometer technology has continued to improve over time with the incorporation of onboard electronic instrumentation. Other technologies have also been developed to track a pig's location in real-time using satellite (i.e., GPS), subsea acoustic and other techniques for various applications. These techniques include, without limitation, Geiger counters, magnetics, radio, acoustics, pinger-based, and transponder-based systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of location tracking/logging techniques may be utilized with the present invention.
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of apipe 102 filled with afluid 104. A cut-awaysection 106 shows apig 108 according to the present invention. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the fluid 104 may propel thepig 108 through thepipe 102. Thepig 108 is in electrical contact with theinternal pipeline wall 110 at electrically separatedcontact locations locations wall 110. Such electrical contact with thewall 110 is achieved bycontacts pig 108 and which are connected to thepig body 120. Thepig body 120 further includes a voltmeter device which has leads connected tocontacts locations Pig body 120 also may include a battery, an odometer, and data-logging device, which are commercially available and well known in the art. For example, voltage and location data may be logged by thepig 108. While the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 displays two contacts attached to a single pig, those skilled in the art will recognize that a plurality of connected pigs are acceptable use with the present invention. For example, a first pig may have a single contact, while a second pig provides the other needed contact. - An objective of the instant invention is to reduce noise resulting, in part, from the pig's movement and the invention contemplates a variety of techniques to reduce this noise. In various embodiments of the present invention,
contacts pipe 102 and, optionally, cleaning the internal surface of thepipe 102. For example, steel brushes sold by the Weiler Corporation (Item #08047) have been used to ensure good electrical contact. A combination of three brushes and three knives for each contact may be preferable for use with the present invention to reduce noise as thecontacts pipe 102 and rotate in the direction indicated. - To further reduce noise, the present invention contemplates using electromechanical devices connected to the brush and/or
knife contacts FIG 1 , for example,pig 108 includeselectromechanical devices device 122 includes astatic element 126 and adynamic element 124 which rotates along with thecontact 116 to transmit the signal to thestatic element 126. -
FIG. 2 shows apig 206 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Thepig 206 is shown within apipe 204, along with the fluid 202, which may propel thepig 206 in the direction indicated. Thepig 206 is in electrical contact with thepipe 204 at electrically separatedcontact locations contact pig 206. As discussed above,contacts contacts pig 206 further includes abattery 216, adata logger 214, avoltmeter 212, and an embodiment of an odometer. These components are commercially available and well known in the art. -
FIG. 2A illustrates theelectrical contact 208. As discussed above, rotating,electrical contact 208 is utilized for electrical communication with theinternal pipe wall 204. A connectingarm 254 serves to connect thecontact 208 to the pig. Anaxle 258 runs through thearm 254 and connects thecontact 208 to the pig while allowing thecontact 208 to rotate in the direction indicated. Theaxle 258 rotates along with thecontact 208 and such rotation is facilitated by ball bearing sets 260A and 260B. Theaxle 258 is in communication with anelectromechanical device 262. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, theelectromechanical device 262 includes adynamic element 264, which rotates with theaxle 258 and transmits the signal to astatic element 266. Anelectrical wire 268 emerges from thedevice 262. Thewire 268 may be connected tovoltmeter 212. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, to measure the voltage differential between two contacts (208 and 210) on a pipe, thevoltmeter 212 may receive a second wire that is connected toelectrical contact 210 in the manner here described. - The present invention also contemplates compensating for thermocouple voltages that result from temperature effects.
FIG. 3 shows a temperature compensation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Because of potential temperature gradients along the pipeline wall, a thermocouple voltage may be experienced, which needs to be compensated for. However, the bulk fluid temperature will be stable, and, by measuring the thermocouple voltage difference between the pipeline wall at the electrical contact position and the bulk fluid, compensation can be made for temperature differences in the system. Different materials have to be used for the rolling contact devices with the wall in order to measure the temperature gradient for the compensation. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , points 302 and 304 reside upon the internal wall of a pipe. Such points may have different temperatures. The potential difference between thepoint 302 and thepoint 304 is the potential difference of interest and may be measured via aconnection 306. Thereference points bulk fluid 312 and are not affected by temperature deviations. Connection 314 allows the potential difference between thecontact point 302 and the bulkfluid reference point 308 to be measured.Connection 316 allows the potential difference between thecontact point 304 and bulkfluid reference point 310 to be measured. Because of potential temperature differences at the pipe wall, thermocouple effects induce some of the voltage measured at the contacts. By measuring the voltage differences between the contacts and the references, these effects can be compensated for and the true potential difference betweenpoints - The accuracy of the pig's data may also be adversely affected by no-contact events. No-contact events refer to an event in which the electrical contact between the pig and pipeline is interrupted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that no-contact events result in undesirable open-circuit signals. To detect no-contact events, the present invention may include an alternating current (AC) pilot signal to flag and exclude no-contact signals during data processing. For example, if a 1-10 kHz AC voltage source of 1mV is incorporated into the electrical circuitry, a band-pass filter at the frequency of the source filters the pilot signal out. When the signal is present, there must be contact, while no signal indicates no contact. The use of an AC pilot signal is provided as an example, and those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of techniques may be acceptable to flag no contact events.
- A variety of laboratory tests have demonstrated the performance of the present invention, and
FIGS. 4 and5 display exemplary test résults. An artificial on-off voltage of 40 microvolt was incorporated into the electric circuit to see whether the intermittent voltage could be retrieved. The signal was successfully retrieved in each test. InFIG. 4 , the x-axis is time and the y-axis is voltage in micro-volts, and the speed of the rolling, rotating contacts was approximately 1.1 meters per second.Graph 400 displays exemplary results of this test. As shown in thegraph 400, moderate baseline drift was experienced by the output. Thermo-effects, for which no compensation was made, caused this drift.FIG. 5 displays results of the same test, except that the speed of the rolling, rotating contacts was approximately 2 meters per second, which is on the high side of typical velocities seen in transportation of liquids.Graph 500 displays exemplary results of this test, in which the x-axis is time and the y-axis is voltage in micro-volts. Slightly greater base line drift was experienced because the increased speed of the contacts produced greater thermal dynamic effects, for which no compensation was attempted. - As a result of these and additional tests, it has been shown that a pig according to the present invention can successfully measure the electric current in a pipeline imposed by a cathodic protection system. High-quality, rotating electrical contacts are preferred for transmitting low-voltage signals, while both rolling brushes and knifes are suitable for making electrical contact with the pipe wall. Furthermore, temperature compensation is required for elimination of thermocouple signals.
- The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the term "step" may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described. Alternative embodiments and implementations of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon review of the specification, including the drawing figures.
Claims (32)
- A system for measuring a voltage differential in a current-carrying pipe using a propulsion vehicle (108) for conveying the system inside the pipe (102), the system comprising:a first contact (116) for maintaining electrical contact with the pipe (102) as the vehicle (108) moves through the pipe (102),a second contact (118) positioned in a spaced apart relationship from said first contact (116) for maintaining electrical contact with the pipe (102) as the vehicle (108) moves through the pipe (102) wherein at least one of said first and second contact (116, 118) comprises a plurality of steel brushes rotating relatively to the main body (120) of the propulsion vehicle (108) for maintaining electrical contact between said pipe (102) and said contact (116, 118);a voltage reading device (212) connected to said first contact (116) and said second contact (118) for measuring the voltage between said first contact (116) and said second contact (118) as the vehicle (108) moves through the pipe (102).
- The system of claim 1, wherein said propulsion vehicle is a pig.
- The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of said first and second contacts is configured to reduce noise received by said voltage reading device.
- The system of claims 1-3, wherein said first contact further comprises a plurality of knives.
- The system of claims 1-4, wherein said first contact comprises three brushes and three knives.
- The system of claims 1-5, wherein said voltage reading device comprises a voltmeter.
- The system of claims 1-6, further comprising one or more electromechanical devices connected to said first contact for reducing noise received by said voltage reading device.
- The system of claim 7, wherein said one or more electromechanical devices comprises a mercury contact.
- The system of claims 7-8, wherein one or more electromechanical devices comprises a slip ring contact.
- The system of claim 1-9, further comprising a means for compensating for thermocouple voltages.
- The system of claim 10, wherein said means for compensating for thermocouple voltages comprises a determination of bulk fluid reference voltages.
- The system of claims 1-11, further comprising a means for compensating for no contact events.
- The system of claim 12, wherein said means for compensating for no contact events comprises an alternating current pilot signal.
- The system of claims 1-13, further comprising a location device for determining the position of said vehicle in the pipe.
- The system of claim 14, wherein said location device comprises an odometer.
- A method for measuring a voltage differential in a current-carrying pipe, the method comprising:inserting a propulsion vehicle (108) into said pipe (102);utilizing a first contact (116) positioned on said propulsion vehicle (108) to maintain electrical contact with the pipe (102) as the vehicle (108) moves through the pipe (102);utilizing a second contact (118) positioned in a spaced apart relationship from said first contact (116) on said propulsion vehicle (108) to maintain electrical contact with the pipe (102) as the vehicle (108) moves through the pipe (102), wherein at least one of said first and second contact (116, 118) comprises a plurality of steel brushes rotating relatively to the main body (120) of the propulsion vehicle (108) for maintaining electrical contact between said pipe (102) and said contact (116, 118);determining the voltage between said first contact (116) and said second contact (118) as the vehicle (108) moves through the pipe (102).
- The method of claim 16, further comprising determining the position of the vehicle in the pipe.
- The method of claim 17, wherein the determining the position of the vehicle in the pipe utilizes an odometer.
- The method of claims 16-18, wherein the position of the vehicle in the pipe is tracked in real time.
- The method of claims 16-20, wherein said determining the position utilizes a satellite and/or acoustic device.
- The method of claims 16-20, further comprising outputting voltage and position data.
- The method of claims 16-21, wherein said propulsion vehicle comprises a pig.
- The method of claims 16-22, wherein at least one of said first and second contacts is configured to reduce noise in a voltage signal.
- The method of claims 16-23, wherein said first contact further comprises a plurality of knives.
- The method of claims 16-24, wherein determining the voltage between said first contact and said second contact utilizes a voltmeter.
- The method of claims 16-25, further comprising utilizing one or more electromechanical devices connected to said first contact to reduce noise in a voltage signal.
- The method of claim 26, wherein said one or more electromechanical devices comprises a mercury contact.
- The method of claims 26-27, wherein said one or more electromechanical devices comprises a slip ring contact.
- The method of claims 16-28, further comprising compensating for thermocouple voltages.
- The method of claim 29, wherein said compensating for thermocouple voltages comprises a determination of a bulk fluid reference voltage.
- The method of claims 16-30, further comprising compensating for no contact events.
- The method of claim 31, wherein said compensating for no contact events comprises utilizing an alternating, current pilot signal to identify said no contact events.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/768,618 US7104147B2 (en) | 2004-01-30 | 2004-01-30 | System and method for measuring electric current in a pipeline |
PCT/US2005/002368 WO2005075708A1 (en) | 2004-01-30 | 2005-01-27 | System and method for measuring electric current in a pipeline |
Publications (2)
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EP1709216A1 EP1709216A1 (en) | 2006-10-11 |
EP1709216B1 true EP1709216B1 (en) | 2010-10-27 |
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EP05712021A Active EP1709216B1 (en) | 2004-01-30 | 2005-01-27 | System and method for measuring electric current in a pipeline |
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US (1) | US7104147B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1709216B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005210467B2 (en) |
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- 2005-01-27 WO PCT/US2005/002368 patent/WO2005075708A1/en active Application Filing
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CA2555092C (en) | 2015-11-03 |
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US20050168208A1 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
CA2555092A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
ZA200605873B (en) | 2008-01-08 |
US7104147B2 (en) | 2006-09-12 |
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